The first liberation for those who wanted to further their education, while already executing a balancing act on the high wire of life’s circus, was the introduction of the concept of distance learning. This allowed students to meet their various obligations and, at the end of the day or the week, attend to the course material that arrived in the mail. The reading was done, the assignments completed and the work returned for marking before the large brown envelope was delivered.

Then came the idea of self-paced study which removed the pressure of “due by dates” and allowed students to complete their courses within time frames dictated by other forces in their lives.

Thousands of students achieved diplomas and degrees through these means. Sometimes they would visit the training institution for a “residential” or a “workshop” and sometimes they participated in study groups with like others in their local area but often the course was completed in isolation with tutor contact being accomplished by telephone or mail.

The arrival of the internet has opened an even more liberating way for people to gain qualifications or to simply expand their skill sets, and there is an increasing trend for people to use the many self-paced training courses available. Amongst these the most obvious type of training to lend itself to distance learning via the internet is the raft of IT courses being offered.

The difficulty for students looking to invest in a self-paced learning regimen, to acquire IT skills and qualifications, is finding the best institute. If one is looking to gain a qualification that will be recognised throughout Australia, it is vital to ensure that the courses are recognised and authorised by the organisations that developed the technology. It is also important that the institute will support the student’s goals, has the flexibility to fit with the diversity of the student’s other life demands and will provide the personal support that the student will need to stay on track and achieve certification.

itcertified.com.au is a subsidiary of Appcon, who have been helping organisations design and roll out adult learning in Australia for nearly 20 years and can claim several Australian universities amongst its clients. Itcertificed.com.au’s online training has also received several awards, including ‘Best IT Content’ awarded by by eLearning! magazine for the last four years. These factors are indicative of an organisation that is more than able to provide appropriate training and support for the self-pacing IT student. itcertified.com.au offers certification training designed for people looking to start or advance their career in IT. Courses are approved by Microsoft and Cisco and cover a range of certifications in Networking, Systems Administration and Design, Database Administration, Security, and Programming.

The College offers an Associate in Arts degree (university transfer), Associate in Science degrees (technical), Associate in Applied Science degrees, College Credit Certificates, Career Certificates and a Continuing Education Program.

The College has an “open door” policy and welcomes all those who want to gain knowledge and enrich their lives. Students with diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged to enroll. Preparatory courses are offered to help students to reach a level of proficiency that will enable them to complete a post-secondary education.

Students can complete the first two years of a traditional four-year program leading to an Associate in Arts degree and may transfer as juniors to state four-year colleges and universities as well as to private institutions.

Associate in Science degrees are awarded to students, some of which are transferable to individual four-year institutions. Associate in Applied Science degrees are also awarded that are not transferable to four-year institutions.

Postsecondary Adult Vocational Certificate courses and College Credit Certificate courses are also offered. Students can take more than half the courses needed for an Associate in Arts degree through the eCampus program.

Accreditation

Accreditation is meant to ensure that the quality and integrity of the higher education institutions and programs are maintained. It is also meant to help these institutions to improve.

Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which is the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states and in Latin America, for institutions of higher learning that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees.

SACS is recognized by the United Stated Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Distance learning

Hillsborough Community College offers eLearning courses in a range of subjects. These courses are ideal for non-traditional adult learners, who have a packed schedule.

They offer much more flexibility and convenience than on-campus courses and allow non-traditional adult students to acquire a recognized qualification from an accredited institution, while meeting their professional and family responsibilities.

WebCourses are delivered via that Internet, though students may be required to attend one or more on-campus meetings. Students are required to actively participate in projects and course assignments on the Internet.

Media-based WebCourses incorporate video lessons to help learners. They contain the same content that is found in on-campus courses. Video lessons allow students to view demonstrations, which may not be possible in traditional classrooms.

MultiMedia courses combine different technologies with on-campus meetings. They use delivery methods like e-mail, Web pages, discussion boards, video tapes, interactive video conferencing, streaming media and chat.

These eLearning courses can help working adults to get a degree that will add value to their career portfolios.

Hillsborough Community College provides a high-quality learning environment for students of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. Its open door policy is designed to help students with diverse needs to meet their educational goals.

Supporting different languages and adapted for SCORM, the authoring software provided by Joomla demonstrates how far the concept of e-learning has advanced. The LMS permits one to learn and go through different courses, providing each user with a clearly predefined role. The software can be easily accessed through the Internet, with several course categories to choose from. Courses can either be imported or exported; some are offered at absolutely no cost, while there are certain courses which must be paid before being accessed.

The authoring software also allows for some courses to be created on the spot. There are catalogues to be used when it comes to searching for different courses, plus a wide array of authoring tools that teachers and students can use. Each user has a home page where he/she can post courses. There are different payment methods when it comes to subscriptions and the prices are quite affordable.

Online, you can discover detailed information on JoomlaLMS learning solution. You will be informed about the document library, announcement board and the entire list of features that regards documents. The e-learning software and solution allows students to ask questions regarding courses, accompanied either by images or videos. Multimedia files can easily be uploaded on the same browser used for the authoring software. Filed can be added to the document library at any moment, including MS Office files, HTML and audio extensions.

When you search the web to find out more about the authoring software and tools, don’t forget to gather as much info as possible on learning paths. Be sure to inquire about SCORMs, the steps that must be followed and also about the materials used with the elearning software. Did you know that the authoring software allows you to pick up the learning process from where you left it off? You should also inquire about quizzes, how they can be added or created. JoomlaLMS learning solution presents a wide range of quizzes, offering completion certificates for those who complete them.

The authoring software presents a very interesting set of features that regard conferencing. This means that one can use JoomlaLMS learning solution to improve the productivity of a company. Conferences can be held with ease, users discussing through live streaming and using a whiteboard for the exchange of information. These events can be recorded through the e-learning software and used later in the day or week. Other features that the authoring software presents are a specialized tracking system, a gradebook to record students’ performance and also a dropbox for file exchange. One can receive and send emails to students, chat and take part in group discussions, plus add information to the forum. The program is certainly efficient and all

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In India, the mobile phone has revolutionized communication and India is now one of the fastest growing markets for mobile phone services, with growing usage and increasing penetration. According to TRAI, there are 286 million wireless subscribers in India, June 2008, of which 76 million were capable of accessing data services. The increasing ubiquity of the mobile phone begs for it to be used as a learning tool. It would be a shame if we were unable to leverage it to improve socio-economic conditions in our vast population.

Mobile phones are not just communications devices sparking new modalities of interaction between people; they are also particularly useful computers that fit in your pocket, are always with you, and are nearly always on. Like all communication and computing devices, mobile phones can be used to learn. The content delivered would depend on the capabilities (features) of the device accessing it.

There are many kinds of learning and many processes that people use to learn, but among the most frequent, time-tested, and effective of these are listening, observing, imitating, questioning, reflecting, trying, estimating, predicting, speculating, and practicing. All of these learning processes can be supported through mobile phones. In addition, cell phones complement the short-attention, casual, multitasking style of today’s young learners.

Viewed simply; phones are capable of:

1. Voice – These are the most basic phones, are still prevalent though being rapidly replaced. Such phones with voice only technology can be used to learn languages, literature, public speaking, writing, storytelling, and history amongst a whole range of topics. We’ve known that voice based learning works for millennia now.

2. SMS – Widely used in India, literally billions of short text messages are sent over the phone networks. These messages can be written quickly and offer enormous learning opportunities. SMS can be used to provide just in time information of almost any type, like reminders. (e.g., someone undergoing a formal mentoring process) SMS can be used for informational quizzes. There are also innovative games based around SMS that have strong learning potential.

3. Graphic Displays – Almost every mobile phone has a graphic display, even if it just shows signal and battery strength. Most phones today have far more graphic power and are able to display words, pictures and animation. Such screens also allow for meaningful amounts of text to be displayed, supporting rapid serial presentation of context-appropriate information. You can use this type of displays for almost any sort of learning. Eventually these displays will render content that is today rendered on personal computers.

4. Downloadable Programs – With mobile phones that have memories, and can accept and install downloaded programs an entire new learning space is opened up on the phone. Almost any sort of learning content and interaction technology can be delivered to the phone using this method.

5. Mobile Internet Browsers – Internet browsers are now built into an increasing number of phones, especially those that take advantage of 3G or enhanced data networks such as GPRS. Having a browser on the phone opens up all the learning resources available on the web, including Google, LMS applications, typical eLearning courseware and other tools/applications.

Without proper research its hard to arrive at the worth of the m-learning market in India, any projection is unfounded; and is also due to the improbability of being able to predict the rate of technological (read network) adoption and penetration. However, empirically, we are seeing an increasing interest in mLearning.

Similar to India, it’s hard to quantify adoption in more developed markets. It’s well known that Asia and Europe are far ahead in terms of mLearning adoption compared to the North American market. The US market for Mobile Learning products and services is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.7% and revenues reached $538 million in 2007. It would be fair to say that revenues in Europe and Asia will be equal to if not greater than the North American market.

Almost every sector will benefit from the use of m-learning, however we feel three primary areas that will feel the biggest impact: Education, Agriculture and Healthcare

Additionally, rural communities will benefit tremendously not just from mLearning, but the mobile technology as a whole. Mobile devices are far cheaper than personal computers and do not depend on a continuous power supply to function.

There is a definite appeal in gaming for learning using mobile phones. Currently, several companies are experimenting with game-based learning technology for mobiles. However, the feasibility of such an approach depends on the cost of development and deployment of such applications, which are quite high at this time. With increasingly capable hardware and connectivity available and dropping costs, it’s only a matter of time before learning games on mobile become commonplace.

In the future, we will see mobile phones, computers and various other computing/media devices (iPods, Digital Cameras, PDAs, etc.) we use converge into a single personal mobile computing device. At such a time, the differentiation between eLearning and mLearning will cease to exist; all learning will be electronic and mobile.

Live Virtual Classroom is an interactive learning session over web where the students can study directly with teachers in real time. Its availability round the clock has made it a much sought after option for students around the world. They can resolve their queries and interact with the subject experts in real time. Students can avail free Online Demo Class, which offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the benefits of a virtual class. As the virtual class is very much in sync with the new age technology, students find them much more fascinating compared to private tuitions. Further, it gives students the freedom to select their own subject, topic on their preferred date and time. This gives them instant access to subject experts and one-on-one personalized attention to help them with their queries. The online subject experts explain the concepts in detail and thus help students in having a clarity on the topics. Non-physical location of the live virtual classrooms makes it flexible and adaptable to personal needs. Students can ask for teachers help anywhere, anytime on any topic or subject.

Concept based subjects like Math or Physics are well explained in online Math class and Physics class. Students can get personalized Math tutoring by joining the Live Virtual Class where a Math’s expert will clarify their doubts, and teach them how to apply theories to applications. They can schedule a free Math’s Demo Class to discus their doubts with a Math’s expert. Students can now also say goodbye to homework worries, as the online tutor will provide customized help to complete their homework.

Online demo basically aims at increasing the understanding of the subject through interaction with the online tutor. Students can avail this service by text or voice chat. They can ask without hesitation whenever they have trouble in understanding a particular topic. Through regular interaction, assessment, and feedback the students are made aware of their weak areas, which need to be worked upon. Moreover, the demo class tour is quite a fun-filled journey…far away from the routine lecture sessions given on an everyday basis in countless schools across the globe. Elearning websites target this very idea, which greatly influences the Gen Z. These are well implemented in a captivating way, thus, making the websites quite innovative and sought after.

Online classroom has brought a revolutionary change in the study patterns itself. If you have a computer and Internet connection, you can turn your personal space into a Live Virtual Classroom at the click of a button. Convenience, cost effectiveness and comfort are some of the benefits that have made online classroom a preferred learning option for students. So, transcend from routine learning and experience elearning with live virtual class.

Elearning is the breakthrough teaching method that utilizes the power of the internet. This technology-enhanced learning is available for undergraduate students who want to earn their degree. This learning method is not only used by colleges, universities and education faculties but also corporate companies. Corporate companies use this medium to conduct webinars or online seminars. In this way, members of the board across the global can converge and participate in a meeting as if they are in the same place at the same time.

Now as an undergraduate student who wants to finish your degree, it is imperative for you to know how this computer based learn system works. What are the types of learning system? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new studying platform? Well let us help you get started and help you take a crash course on what electronic learning is all about.

Pros and Cons
This computer-based learning has broken boundaries. It was able to achieve things that the traditional classroom set-up has failed to do so. For example, distance studying is no longer a problem for students who need to travel long distances to go to their schools. Since there are self-paced online learning modules, studying can work around family and work schedules. Education can easily be disseminated because of the easy access to any student across the globe. This type of learning not only allows students to finish their course but their computer skills are also enhanced while they are studying their lessons.

On the other hand, there are also flaws or disadvantages of this modern computer based learning. For instance, since there are no personal interactions, students who required motivation and encouragement from their mentors to study well, will likely fall behind on the lessons. Slow internet connection is a great hindrance in studying. Lab and hands on training is very difficult to simulate in the virtual classroom. This type of learning method may not be advisable for those who have ailments due to long exposure to the computer.

There are different types of this online learning. There is the online learning course where studying is purely internet based. Hybrid course is the combination of the traditional campus based learning and computer based studies. Telecourses on the other hand do not require internet connection since all studying content are videos and textbook driven. Telewebs combines the video component of telecourses and adds it with online components.

Elearning has revolutionized the education system and has provided a new teaching platform for students from all walks of life.

Description of Masters degree programs

Masters degrees in distance learning prepare students in using internet resources effectively. These programs also teach how to use distance learning technology in delivering education with focus on how to construct effective instruction materials and rich learning environments for a variety of learners. The programs cover all the minute details like multiple distance education modalities, assessment and evaluation, distance education strategies for different learners from various backgrounds. At present Master’s degree programs offer specializations in mainly three fields, which are Adult Education, Instructional Design and Distance Learning Technology and Administration of institutes offering distance education courses.

Universities Offering Masters Degrees in Distance Learning

University of Maryland University College offers a Master of Distance Education online. This is a 36 credit hour degree program consisting of seven core courses and four elective courses. This course is designed for employed educational professionals to prepare them to be competent enough to manage distance education enterprises within educational, Government and non profit organizations. Course work includes planning, budgeting, development, delivery and support of distance learning and distance training programs.

Touro University offers a unique online post graduate degree program in Education eLearning, which has no residency requirements. This program prepares students for leadership qualities in the field of distance learning with a focus on elearning. Students gain expertise in various tools and technology for delivering distance education.

The University of Phoenix Online is the largest accredited private university. It provides a number of Master’s degree programs in Education. Master of Arts with specialization in Adult Education and Distance Learning is one of them. This program covers adult learning theories, multiple distance education modalities, instructional design, assessment and evaluation techniques, tools and technology associated with distance education.

Masters degrees in distance learning provide an enriching experience on a personal as well as professional level. They are helpful in achieving career goals and professional advancement.

The concept of e-learning is not as new as it used to be. Given the advances of modern technology, there are numerous software programs out there that promise to offer the best learning experience. Genuine professional elearning software can be adapted to suit both the needs of the teacher and the students. It has a set of features that describe its functionality and several authoring tools to work with.

If this is the first time you’ve ever considered using an LMS (learning management system), then you have better read with great care. Discover JoomlaLMS learning solution, elearning software that is perfect for ones needs and demands. You do not have to settle for the first authoring software that you come across but JoomlaLMS is definitely worth sticking with. There are many great things about this software, always useful for you as a student.

Joomla has long established a tradition in the field of communication, especially with the introduction of the e-learning software and solution. The software is part of modern generation learning systems, supporting several languages and offering complete instructions for beginners. By using this particular authoring software and tools provided, one will discover numerous resources for learning. Among the most interesting features, there are: whiteboard for discussions and collaboration, certificates offered for the completion of a course and SCORM support. One of the most appealing aspects of such an LMS is that everyone can assume its role, either as a teacher or a student.

There are many things that make this particular elearning software great. The list could include the customized portals for learning, the opportunity to connect with other students and the possibility to introduce new courses on a regular basis. JoomlaLMS learning solution has a user-friendly interface, allowing beginners to enjoy this method of learning as much as those who are used to such software. Thanks to the amazing features of the LMS, e-learning is made simple.

A learning management system is a great source for knowledge. It represents the perfect way to learn for those who have busy schedules but also for students who are interested in innovative teaching methods. The content is offered through the authoring software, courses being easily created using the wide range of authoring tools presented in the first place. If the LMS is used within an organization, then one can assume the role of the CEO and select specific courses that meet the needs and demands of the employees working for that company.

Learning should never be a burden and JoomlaLMS learning solution is the perfect way to achieve that objective. The combination between useful authoring tools, profession e-learning methods and the complete list of features make this learning management system top of the list. The innovation stands not only in the method of teaching but also in the testing or training possibilities. There are many great thing that could be said about this LMS but one thing is certain: you can benefit from it 100%,whether you are the president of a big and powerful organization, or just a student looking for an enjoyable learning experience.

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Before highlighting upon the nuances of distance education in Indian context, it is imperative to clearly understand the concept. Distance education, unlike the classroom learning system, enables the learning process between the educator and learners, while they are not physically present at a common venue. Communication happens over various channels including print, electronic, real time technology and more. In the present scenario, the advent of technology in this domain is rampantly increasing.

Pros and cons of distance learning with specific reference to the Indian education scenario:

The invisible bridge: Distance education is an evolving field with obvious merits. For those who for any reason cannot make it to the classrooms, distance learning is the perfect answer. It simply connects the two ends of education rope and thus simplifies the learning process.

Efficient system: Distance learning does not mandates physical attendance and thus saves on commuting and miscellaneous time heads. It is an efficient learning schema, which maximises output in minimal time.

Apt for professionals: Distance education is especially convenient for working professionals, who cannot spare 2-3 years for pursuing full time higher education courses.

Host of options: Distance learning offers education curriculum over a host of learning streams to include higher education. Even the most reputed of education programs like IIT are soon to be added to the already extensive list.

Quality Concerns: Distance learning is a definite education enhancer, especially for geographies like India, where students from remote areas are unable to learn and thus grow. However, with lesser restrictions and almost negligible practical guidance, the quality aspects of the curriculum are highly questionable. The situation further worsens in developing nations like India, where even in classroom learning mode, the education quality is often compromised.

Infrastructural mismatch: Distance education has been a wonderful model in developed parts of the globe, where the most superior technology enabled tools disseminate the course nitty-gritty. However in India, even the basic online access is not available to majority. The mismatch would be explicitly apparent, if compared with aptly progressed nations, where distance learning is synonymous to online learning.

Lack of information: Distance education in India is still in nascent stages and as a growing concept, it is not perhaps being adequately nurtured. Aspirants are still not clear on the procedure and the communication channels are too loosely knitted. In such circumstances, the adequacy of the concept is gravely skeptical.

Conducting a conference between two or more participants at different places through computer networks for sharing audio and video data is known as video conferencing. More than three people located at different places can also communicate as if they are sitting next to each other by using video conferencing system. Until the mid 90′s video conferencing was considered to be highly expensive but after that situation has changed rapidly. Analysis has proved that video conferencing will be one of the fastest growing segments of IT industry in future. Video conferencing allows you to communicate with your colleagues, clients, seniors even if you are far from them. This is very convenient for the businessmen who are always travelling. If your flight has cancelled and you are not able to reach to a conference on time, you can hold the meeting conveniently by using video conferencing system.  Previously it was necessary to download and install complicated software and purchase expensive hardware in order to hold  video conference, but now through easymeeting™, which is an innovative and complete set of IP based solution designed and developed for interactive video conferencing, you can conduct interactive video conference conveniently. Easymeeting™ has taken video conferencing services a step further with fully integrated features that are designed to enable organizations to have virtual conferences and meetings via Broadband/3G/VPN/MPLS. It can be used for intra-branch communication, sales meetings, tele-medicine, customer demos, HR/Recruitment, as well as for education and training courses. Video conferencing is very advantageous, especially if you have an urgent meeting with clients. In order for you to constantly communicate with your clients and with your bosses, opt for the Video conferencing service of Easymeeting™

E Learning

E learning is a general term that relates to training of all sorts that is delivered through a single computer, with the use of devices like CD ROMs, mobile phones, digital television, Internet and wide area networks. Businesses are also big users of the eLearning process, with employee training being a priority for many companies. Easymeeting™ also known as e Learning solution is used by more than 60 universities and 800 professors or researchers worldwide. It is one of the best virtual classroom solution as it can have two way audio/video and text chat, can accommodate more than 1000 students concurrently and recording facility for storing the entire session. This elearning solution also allows document sharing, application sharing, MCQ sharing with students with real time results. Surprisingly, this elearning system requires basic 256kbps broadband internet connection.  

Microsoft BPOs

Microsoft’s BPOs suite allows users to have e-mail access anywhere, not just at work in front of your desk, but anywhere. This can allow you to stay connected even if you’re at home taking care of your children or in a hotel room 600 miles away at a business meeting. With a Blackberry, you can check your e-mail even if you don’t have access to a computer. Users can access the services from anywhere, administrators can access the console from anywhere, and the management interface is simplified. Microsoft BPOs suite includes Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Share Point Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting and Microsoft Office Communications Online. Through Microsoft Exchange Online, you can have access to e-mail, calendar, and contacts from virtually anywhere, at anytime, on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices-while helping to protect against malware and spam. With the help of Microsoft Share Point Online, you can share documents, contacts, calendars, and tasks in a single location. Based on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, SharePoint Online delivers rich collaboration capabilities that enable team members to flexibly and efficiently collaborate, find organizational resources, search your intranet site, and manage content and workflow. Microsoft Office Live Meeting helps you to Connect with colleagues and customers through real-time meetings, training sessions, and events using only a PC with an Internet connection. Hosted Web conferencing services from Microsoft Office Live Meeting give your employees the power to collaborate wherever they are, to set up project meetings, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate on whiteboards without the cost and hassle of travel! Microsoft Communications Online enables users to find and rapidly connect with the right person from the applications they use most. Office Communications Online provides streamlined access to rich presence and instant messaging capabilities that are centrally managed by IT and work seamlessly with a range of Microsoft Office system programs. So ultimately the Microsoft BPOs suite helps you save money, make your life more convenient and secure, and reduce the disjointed aspects of working in the 21st Century.

Network Security

Without reliable network security services at your disposal, your company would find it hard to solve a denial of service attack or prevent it from happening. Your company may suffer financially because of the damage inflicted on the network. You will also lose business opportunities as customers will find a way to look for other enterprises that have reliable network security services. Unified Threat Management (UTM) Solution comprised of scalable range of SonicWALL SMB, SME & Enterprise solutions is designed to meet the network security needs of any organization. It is designed for enterprise organizations with high performance networks that are currently struggling to deploy the latest technologies such as converged communications, data center consolidation, and Web 2.0. This network security solution allows organizations to embrace these technologies in order to enhance workforce productivity, business collaboration and effectiveness without compromising performance or security.

IT Infrastructure Consulting Services

Whether you own a large corporate/company or a medium size enterprise, what is essential is to be in line with the latest technological advancements. This would require maintaining and updating your infrastructure that includes management of networks, data centers, messaging systems to meet the critical needs of today’s businesses. Think about it a consultancy that would help you handle the issues at hand in a professional manner. You would be getting consulting services of highly skilled professionals. All under one roof where you would be free of all the hassles and all the requirements related to your IT infrastructure consulting services would be met. Horizzon has extensive resources for architecting, integrating and testing the infrastructure solutions. We also offer technical services, which help you realign your IT infrastructure to meet your growing and changing business requirements. Partnering with Horizzon gives your company an edge over the competition. We work on the hard-to-fill requirements and niche skill sets enabling us to deliver quality IT consultants at competitive costs.